What Are GLP-1s, Really?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone your body already makes after you eat. It tells your brain you’re full, slows how quickly food leaves your stomach, and balances blood sugar by lowering glucagon and increasing insulin in the right moments.

Medications like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) are synthetic versions or dual agonists that mimic this same signal — but with longer, steadier activity. The result? You feel satisfied sooner, stay full longer, and experience more stable energy and cravings throughout the day.

The Science Behind Fat Loss

Most people think GLP-1s are “appetite suppressants.” They’re not. They’re metabolic regulators.
When you take a GLP-1 medication, it activates receptors in both the brain and gut, reducing the “reward” signal for overeating and slowing gastric emptying so meals are digested more gradually.

This combination leads to:

• Reduced caloric intake without conscious restriction
  

• Improved insulin sensitivity
  

• Lower glucagon release, so less fat storage
  

• Better preservation of lean muscle when paired with adequate protein
  
  

In clinical trials, patients lost up to 15–22% of body weight on semaglutide or tirzepatide — levels that were previously only possible with surgery.

Beyond the Scale

GLP-1s don’t just change your weight; they change your biology.
Studies show improvements in blood pressure, inflammation markers, and even brain inflammation that may contribute to fatigue or food-reward patterns. Many of my patients also notice sharper focus, fewer energy crashes, and reduced cravings for sugar or alcohol within the first few weeks.

This “metabolic reset” is why GLP-1s are now being studied for heart disease, Alzheimer’s risk, and addiction behaviors — not just weight loss.

Why Some People Respond Differently

Your response depends on genetics, baseline insulin resistance, and gut hormone activity. Some people experience dramatic appetite suppression; others mainly notice fewer cravings or more energy. That’s why personalized dosing and support matter — not everybody responds the same way.

At DrBrainRx, we use a science-based, semi-asynchronous approach to personalize dosing, optimize gut adaptation, and support muscle preservation through peptide or supplement add-ons when needed.

Start Your Plan

If you’re curious whether GLP-1 therapy could help you lose weight and optimize metabolic health, visit drbrainrx.com to start your personalized plan today.

References

1. Wilding JPH et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1). NEJM. 2021;384(11):989–1002.
   

2. Jastreboff AM et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity (SURMOUNT-1). NEJM. 2022;387:205–216.

3. American Diabetes Association. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment. Diabetes Care. 2024.